Jean Elizabeth Hope

WEAVERVILLE - Jean Elizabeth Hope, age 87, of Weaverville, NC died Tuesday, November 13, 2018. This photo is of Jean and husband, Joe on their 50th anniversary while at the Master's Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA. Mrs. Hope was born May 21, 1931 in St. Louis, MO to the late Edward L. and Devota Reynolds Pitts. Jean was an active athlete in high school, and in college at Washington University where she was on the cheerleading squad. She was active in numerous choral groups over the years. Jean was a talented artist; stained glass, fused glass and jewelry, watercolor and pastels. Prior to moving to Weaverville, she was active in the Art League in Hilton Head, SC and belonged to several galleries. Jean enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and bowling. She was a life-long, avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Jean loved to garden and had beautiful gardens everyplace she lived. She was a keen birdwatcher and participated in the annual bird count on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge many times, often accompanied by her son Steven Hope. She was a resident of Weaverville since 2005. Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son, James Edward Ragsdale Hope, who died in 1973 and her sister, Carol Pitts. Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Joe Harold Hope, Jr.; daughter Susan Carol Hope of Weaverville, NC; sons Joe Harold Hope III and wife Susan Jo of Mebane, NC, and Steven Leigh Hope and wife Jill Woodworth of Charleston, SC; sister Susan Pitts Zelner of Charleston, SC; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Jean's life will be held at a later date. West Funeral Home is assisting the family. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Hope's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Asheville or the Blue Ridge Conservancy.